But the boundary violations boggle my mind.
It’s true. Complete strangers will walk right up to me, in public, poke my chest, rip my nametag off and tear it to shreds.
I am not making this up. This really happens to me. And it’s an utter and complete violation of personal space and personal property.
But here’s what I find fascinating:
The only people who have ever committed this act are extremely attractive women.
That’s the gender breakdown. Men ridicule me, women violate me.
Not that I’m complaining. Random harassment from beautiful women was great while I was single. I’m a touchy feely guy anyway.
But why the gender bias? Why the physical harassment? And why does wearing a simple, handwritten, adhesive stick give these extremely attractive women license violate a complete stranger?
If the roles were reversed and I did the same, I would either be slapped, arrested or both.
Maybe they think they’re doing me a favor. Maybe they’re asserting their sexual power. Maybe they’re jealous that I’m getting more attention than them.
Or – like the little boy who pulls the hair of the girl he likes – maybe they just like me.
I don’t know. And I may never know.
What I do know is that touch is a touchy subject, and it’s worth taking seriously.
In certain cultures and situations, touching the wrong person at the wrong time in the wrong place might be the difference between a friendly greeting and frontal assault.
Respect people’s physical boundaries.
Use your head, not your hands.
LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Whom are you violating?
LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
For the list called, “23 Ways to Learn a Lot at a Really Young Age,” send an email to me, and you win the list for free!
* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
Author, Speaker, Publisher, Artist, Mentor
[email protected]
Now booking for 2011-2012!
Watch The Nametag Guy in action here!
